The Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIFM) hosted its annual Gala Night on November 4, 2024, at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, celebrating the flourishing business ties between France and Malaysia. The event highlighted France’s position as Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner within the European Union, with bilateral trade reaching €5.28 billion (MYR26 billion) in 2023.
The Gala Night, attended by over 400 guests, showcased the expanding French economic footprint in Malaysia. Currently, 600 French entities, including 300 subsidiaries and 300 entrepreneurs, are established in the country, collectively employing approximately 30,000 people. This significant presence underscores the growing importance of Franco-Malaysian business relations.
Notable attendees included Datuk Zainal Amanshah and Mr. Richard Fostier, Honorary Chairman and President of CCIFM, respectively, along with H.E. Axel Cruau, Ambassador of France to Malaysia. The Guest of Honour was YB Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia, further emphasizing the event’s significance in fostering bilateral economic cooperation.
The Gala Night featured the presentation of the prestigious CCIFM Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to Franco-Malaysian business relations. Award categories included ‘Outstanding Achievements’ for both large companies and SMEs, ‘Entrepreneur of the Year,’ ‘Corporate Social Responsibility,’ ‘France-Malaysia Smart Partnership,’ and ‘Image of France.’ Winners included prominent companies such as Decathlon, Nazsoft Tech, and Club Med, highlighting the diverse range of French businesses thriving in Malaysia.
As Malaysia prepares to assume the Chair of ASEAN on January 1, 2025, the event also served as a platform to express support for the country’s upcoming leadership role in the regional organization. This transition presents opportunities for further strengthening economic ties between France and the broader Southeast Asian region.
The CCIFM Gala Night not only celebrated current successes but also looked towards the future of bilateral trade relations. The Chamber expressed confidence in Malaysia’s position as a strategic and competitive destination for French businesses, serving as a key regional hub for growth and expansion throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
In a notable CSR initiative, CCIFM announced the planting of 400 trees – one for each guest at the Gala Night – in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. This project, implemented in partnership with APE Malaysia, demonstrates the Chamber’s commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity preservation in Malaysia.
The success of Franco-Malaysian business relations is attributed to the strong collaboration between various institutions, including the French Embassy, Business France, French Trade Advisors, La French Tech, and Malaysian agencies such as MIDA, MATRADE, InvestKL, Talent Corp, and MDEC. This cooperative network has been instrumental in facilitating trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.
As bilateral trade continues to grow, events like the CCIFM Gala Night play a crucial role in fostering networking opportunities, celebrating achievements, and paving the way for future collaborations. The strong turnout and high-profile attendance at this year’s event underscore the importance of the Franco-Malaysian economic partnership and its potential for further growth in the coming years.
The Gala Night also featured entertainment from renowned Malaysian artists, including comedian Douglas Lim and jazz singer Shiela Majid, adding a cultural dimension to the economic celebrations. Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails, Michelin-starred cuisine, and participated in lucky draws, creating a memorable evening that blended business networking with cultural exchange.
As France and Malaysia continue to strengthen their economic ties, events like the CCIFM Gala Night serve as important milestones in recognizing past achievements and setting the stage for future cooperation. The growing French presence in Malaysia and the increasing bilateral trade volume highlight the mutual benefits of this partnership, positioning both countries for continued economic success in the Asia-Pacific region.
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